Centre for Policy on Ageing



The paradox of ageing with developmental disabilities — increasing needs, declining resources
Author(s)	Kenneth J Doka, Claire Lavin
Journal title	Ageing International, vol 28, no 2, Spring 2003
Pages	pp 135-154
Keywords	Mental disorder ; Cognitive impairment ; Physical disabilities ; Needs [elderly] ; Services.
Annotation	People ageing with developmental disabilities is a new and still somewhat hidden population, which, though estimates of size vary, has survived to later life due to better health care and de-institutionalisation. Yet, as this population ages, this will raise new challenges for gerontologists and specialists in the developmental disabilities field. The situation of people ageing with developmental disabilities is characterised by a paradox: that as they age, they are likely to experience cognitive and physical deficits that increase their need for services and support. Yet their family-based support systems (who are also ageing) may be less available and social services may be ill-suited to assist. This not only calls into question the policies and programmes designed to serve this population, but also the way we educate and train professionals working in the fields of gerontology and developmental disabilities. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-030813202 A
Classmark	E: E4: BN: IK: I
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.